Semiconductor structure and method for transmitting optical signals using externally supplied light beam

A semiconductor structure and method for transmitting optical signals modulates an optical property of the semiconductor structure to selectively transmit portions of an externally supplied light beam as optical signals. The use of the externally supplied light beam eliminates the need to fabricate a light emitting device onto the semiconductor structure. Thus, the semiconductor structure can be based on an indirect bandgap material such as silicon. Consequently, the semiconductor structure can be readily integrated into a conventional silicon-based integrated circuit using conventional semiconductor manufacturing processes.